Modi Fuels Aatmanirbhar Bharat on 74th Indian Independence Day

 

Designed by: Hormuzd Dossabhoy & Edited by: The Syntax Systems @PosterMyWall

The Syntax Systems (TSS) wishes all Indians a very Happy Independence Day (I-Day), 2020! 

On August 15, 2020, as customary, India's PM, Narendra Modi, unfurled the Tricolor at Red Fort, Delhi, India. He then addressed the Nation. In his powerful, 1.5 hours long speech on India's 74th I-Day, the PM listed Bharat's 360-degrees growth and development plan. Some key takeaways were: 

India Fights Corona: At the outset, Modi condoled the Covid deaths. He expressed gratitude to Corona warriors, rendering services 24X7, manifesting 'Seva Parmo Dharma' (service is the most virtuous duty). He assured full government help in managing the situation.Setting tone for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, he commended the way Indian Covid supplies production scaled up in such a short time. They are not only meeting domestic demand, but are also exporting to cater to international requirements, he adds. Modi then revealed about the 3 indigenous Covid-19 vaccines under different levels of testing in Indian facilities. After approval, their production will be scaled up for distribution, he said. 

Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant Bharat): The PM beckoned Indian businesses of all sizes, to work on 'Make in India,' and 'Make for World.' He declared of lifting several government restrictions in the Agriculture sector to make the farmers self-reliant. Note that on July 03, 2020, Modi Government amended Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Act, while later setting up Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) for Rs. 1 Lakh Crore to fuel the sector boost. He was optimistic of the Indian Space sector boom as it opens to private investment now. The PM also heavily insisted Indians to practice 'Vocal for Local.' He laid out country's massive investment plan of around Rs. 100 Lakh Crores in over 7000 infrastructure projects in varied sectors. He also informed of discontinuation of over 101 defense item imports. They will now have indigenous production, Modi asserted. Note that 69/101 defense imports will be discontinued from December 2020. 

Surge In FDI Inflow: Owing to India's prompt reforms, despite Covid pandemic, India witnessed 18% growth in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). 

New Education Policy (NEP): The PM enlightens that India's much applauded NEP pins on making India a key R&D hub for the world. Note that NEP centers on students' skills building. It will focus on Re-Skill and Up-Skill aspects of applicable learning.  

Digital India: Modi highlights that prior to 2014, only 60 panchayats were digitally wired. Within the last 5 years, the figure soared to 1.5 lakh internet enabled gram panchayats. He committed of optical-fiber network to digitally enable all 6 lakh villages, including islands, in the next 1000 days. He also informed of the recent laying of undersea optic fiber cable for Andaman & Nicobar islands as well. Lakshadweep is in the pipeline too.  

Indian Women Empowerment: The PM highlighted women empowerment, professionally, including combat portfolios in defense. He also counted the abolishing of Triple Talaq. and ensuring women health & hygiene (even during periods).

Key Accomplishments: Jan-Dhan accounts for poor, 1 Nation 1 Ration Card, Ujjawala Yojna for poor, Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan, Jal Jeevan, 1 Nation 1 Tax, Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code, Home EMI waiver of up to Rs. 6 Lakh, Rs. 25,000 Crore issued for finishing the incomplete housing projects, banks merger, Biodiversity conservation under Project Tiger, underway Project Asiatic Lions, and proposed Project Dolphin, were some other path breaking measures Modi listed.  

National Digital Health Mission (NDHM): The PM unveiled this healthcare program today. Under this, all Indians will have a Health ID card, carrying their complete and updated health data for a real-time access. 

Jammu & Kashmir: PM informed that after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 05, 2019, with the commendable efforts of local bodies, J&K is trying to bridge the development gap fast to level up with the mainland. He admired instituting the rights of women & Dalits and refugees there. 

Carbon Reduction: Acknowledging climate change, India is fast working towards clean energy and solar power to achieve Carbon neutrality. He informed that Ladakh is actively working to reduce Carbon footprint. Sikkim already is the first Indian state to adopt 100% organic farming. Pollution reduction in 100 select cities is also underway, he elaborated. 

International Ties & Strong Defense: Modi then proudly flaunted Indian armed forces' befitting reply in safeguarding intrusions from LAC to LOC. He highlighted India's Non-Permanent membership in the UN Security Council by garnering 184/192 votes on June 18, 2020. India's term will begin in January 2021. He also reaffirmed his resolve on cordial relation with its neighboring and ASEAN countries. 

Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Modi also commended Indians' graceful handling of amicable settlement of Ayodhya (UP, North India) dispute and that the temple construction shall soon begin. Note that, since last 450 years, Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi (birthplace) battled conflict to restore the Ram temple there. On November 09, 2019, Supreme Court delivered justice and awarded the land to Hindus for building the temple. On August 05, 2020, PM Modi performed Bhoomi Pujan (land worship) there and laid the first brick to build the temple.